Ask an expert: On “Tower” and “GR” markings

Q: I have a muzzle-loading shotgun with the markings “Tower” and a Crown over “GR” on the right lock plate, as well as three unopened boxes of wartime .303 ammunition. What can you tell me about them and their value? Bruce Carroll Classic gear contributor Ken Doherty responds: Your gun was originally a Brown Bess, muzzle-loading, .75 calibre flintlock smoothbore musket. This was the primary British military firearm from 1722 until 1838. British infantry used it during the battles of Quebec, the American War of Independence, the War of 1812, and various Napoleonic Wars. The Long Land Pattern with a 46-inch barrel (1722- 1793); the Short Land Pattern with a 42-inch barrel (1740-1797); and the India Pattern with a 39-inch barrel (1797-1854) are the most common variations. Based on the length of the barrel and the shorter brass key plate on the left side of the action, yours is an India Pattern. The “GR” stands for “Georgius Rex” or King George. So, it was made during either the reign of King George IV (1820-1830) or King George III (1760-1820). Your flintlock was converted into a Pattern 1839 Percussion musket as evidenced by the hammer and nipple. The empty screw holes at the front of the lock plate had held the flintlock’s frizzen spring. Sometime later, the forend stock was shortened to convert it into a 12-gauge muzzleloading shotgun. An intact Queen Victoria (VR) Brown Bess India pattern flintlock recently sold for $500 at auction. And an older GR Pattern 1839 percussion musket in poor condition sold for $750. Unfortunately, converted “wall-hanger” shotguns like yours seldom sell for more than $250. The value of your ammo is more straightforward. Both unopened cord-wrapped 10-round boxes of S.A. Ball, .303 Inch Cordite, Mark VI, were made in 1912. They have a round nosed lead core, wrapped in a full metal jacket. The unopened 20-round box made by Winchester (Olin) is probably Second World War vintage. Similar boxes sold in recent Ontario auctions for $20 per box but I have seen listings asking for $125 to $200 per box. Send your questions by clicking here Originally published in the Spring 2025 issue of Ontario OUT of DOORS For more hunting, click here Click here for more outdoors news Watch on-demand videos anytime on OFAH Stream